But that's exactly what may be on the horizon for Macomb County, the most populous county in Michigan -- and the third-most populous in the nation -- without one.

Elected officials who have established a committee to study the issue say a university could increase opportunities for students and improve the local economy. But some others say it may be a waste of money when Macomb already offers several higher education options, such as Macomb Community College and Davenport University, which is private. MCC offers four-year degrees through partnerships with other institutions.

"We're in a very good position to assist in meeting the needs of high school students needing to go on," said Randy Flechsig, president of the private Davenport University, which enrolls 1,500 students at its Warren campus. "The job of all of us is to take the resources we have.

"It's more a matter of making sure we're providing the programs and training that our high school graduates need the most to enter meaningful careers."

But recent increased efforts by U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, D-Royal Oak, are the result of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's goal of doubling the number of college graduates in the next decade.

Only 18 percent of Macomb County residents 25 and older hold a college degree, which is below the state average of 22 percent. In addition, Macomb County has lost roughly 20,000 manufacturing jobs in the past five years.

But it's going to be a challenge because responsibility -- jobs, bills and family -- can interrupt further education, County Commissioner Paul Gieleghem said.

"It'll open up more opportunities for students to go to college in Macomb," said the Fitzgerald High senior who plans to attend the University of Michigan.

According to Lt. Gov. John D. Cherry's Commission on Higher Education & Economic Growth report, for each year of college finished, an individual can increase his or her annual income by an average 10 percent.

Macomb County residents already live within driving distance of three four-year public schools -- Oakland University in Rochester, Wayne State University in Detroit and the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Additionally, Wayne State and Ferris State University have satellite campuses in Macomb County, and Oakland University recently joined forces with Macomb Community College to offer a four-year degree program.

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